A 17-section residential property development is about to begin in Napier after the sale of almost a hectare of prime land owned by the Taradale Club for more than 40 years.
The development, to be known as Avondale Mews, will be on land between the club in Wharerangi Rd andAvondale, with three of the sections backing on to the club's bowling greens.
Confirmation of the sale comes as the club develops as one of six "super clubs" in New Zealand, in a merger with the Napier Cosmopolitan Club which closes its Marine Parade doors next Sunday.
Taradale Club president Bernard Hickey said the club had been "sitting on a relative gold mine" with the land.
"This club has big plans for the future," Mr Hickey said, after the sale which members unanimously supported and which will enable further expansion of the club's facilities.
"The Taradale Club is enjoying a substantial increased membership over recent months and will soon become one of only half a dozen Super Clubs in the country."
Club manager Tony Leathers believes the land sale and future amalgamation are positive moves for the community.
"The new housing will not only enhance the overall area but could even provide further membership growth as we can extend services and facilities to the new residents," he said.
Jemvest Ltd, a Napier company with substantial experience in residential developments, successfully bid for the opportunity to develop the 9970m2 site.
Company director John Hanlen said plans were well under way for the roadways and design of the expected 17 sections.
"Prime land like this in the Taradale area has not been made available for many years, so we are expecting a huge demand from potential new home buyers," he said.
Landscape construction was expected to begin within weeks.
Meanwhile the countdown to the "Cossie Club" closure has begun, with Central Hawke's Bay band Sir Duke having played a nostalgic gig for a packed house on Saturday night. It harked back to the band's residency in the building's Leopard Inn days of the 1970s and 80s. Formed more than 136 years ago, the club moved from its long-time central city complex when it bought the inn in 1986.
The building has been sold to developers and is expected to be remodelled as prime office space.
The club and its Oceans Cafe close on Sunday and an auction of furniture, kitchen and office fittings and other items will be held a week later.
